Breaking the web to have the best solar panel for van life? Read our review on the best solar panel for a caravan and have a detailed review of the best Monocrystalline Solar Panels and many great quality Polycrystalline solar panels.
Solar power generation tools, like the best solar panel for caravan roofs, draw solar energy and convert it into a DC power supply that is further converted into an AC supply by inverters.
The solar cells of panels harness solar energy and thus power your campervans and motor homes. Therefore, the quality of solar panels will determine how much power you can use in your motor homes.
The market is flooded with many great solar products such as solar power systems or the campervan solar panel kit.
But finding the best solar panel for a camper van out of so many available options is a daunting task and that’s where we come forward to help you get your hands on the best solar panel for a motor home.
Are you hurried enough to skip reading the review article? Hold on have a look at our recommended pick.
- 14.1 lbs. Weight
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- 400-500 Wh Battery Capacity
Renogy RNG-100D-SS is the best overall solar panel for campervans. It is a portable 100 watts solar panel with 12V DC input and high-efficiency Monocrystalline solar cells.
This lightweight panel can power a battery of 400 to 500 watts per hour and supply 33 to 41 ampere hours of electricity per day.
Given below is the comparison table of the 10 best solar panels for campervans available on the market.
Comparison Table Of The Best Solar Panel For Campervan
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick |
| 10 | Check Price |
Best Briefcase Design  |
| 10 | Check Price |
Best Standalone Kits  |
| 10 | Check Price |
Best Ultra-Light  | Renogy 100 Watt Flexible Solar Panel
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Best Aesthetics  |
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Best Classic  |
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Best Flexible  |
| 9 | Check Price |
Best Output Power  |
| 9 | Check Price |
Editor Choice  |
| 9 | Check Price |
After careful review and detailed testing of the best solar panels for campervans.
We have come up with the top 9 solar panels that have high-efficiency energy conversion ratings, durable and sturdy construction, and give effective performance worth the money.
Given below is the in-depth review of these 9 best solar panels for campervans.
- 14.1 lbs. Weight
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- 400-500 Wh Battery Capacity
Renogy solar panels are the best portable units that have a vast variety of foldable and ultra-flexible solar kits that can be easily mounted on rooftops, camping vans, RV roofs, and other outdoor areas where grid power supply is not accessible.
Renogy RNG solar panel is a travel-friendly single-piece solar panel that is suitable for a variety of off-grid applications.
Features:
Renogy RNG 100D solar panel is a lightweight and portable unit that is coming with a compact design and is the flagship of one of the top brands.
It is a Monocrystalline Solar Panel that is famous for its High solar absorption efficiency.
This 100 watts solar panel is suitable for outdoor activities that require power surges under 100 watts.
This Renogy RNG-100D-SS solar panel kit is very easy to install and comes with a charge controller of 20A that makes it ready for quick RV installation therefore, this solar Renogy 100 watts RNG panel is ideal to choose for the campervan.
With a weight of 14.1 pounds, this unit can be mounted on the roofs of campervans or the travel trailer and it will not add any serious load to the recreational van.
Now coming to its power output, the Renogy RNG 100 watts solar panels have higher solar efficiency and increased power output, it is capable of powering an average solar battery of 400 to 500 watts per hour daily.
The per-day electric amperage of these panels can amount to between 33 to 41 ampere hours (Ah).
Pros
- Produces Ample Wattage
- Run Different Appliances
- Robust Construction
- Improved Durability
Cons
- Requires A 400Wh Battery
- Produces Ample Wattage
- Run Different Appliances
- Robust Construction
- Improved Durability
- Requires A 400Wh Battery
Verdict:
- 7.83 lbs. Weight
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- Waterproof Aluminum Body
The Renogy RNG 100D SS solar panels are although, lightweight and portable but these panels don’t support an adjustable or foldable body.
Having a foldable body is an important consideration for travelers as this facility allows for easy storage with minimal space requirements.
Renogy 2Pcs 100 watts solar panel is a foldable version of the aforementioned unit and comes with a unique design with quite a high-performance support.
Features:
Renogy 100 watts solar panels are the best among conventional power sources and provide an economical solution for power backup.
Although the affordability of Poly panels is lucrative, the high-quality performance of Monocrystalline solar panels is unrivaled and unchallenged in the market to date.
The safety features of these solar panels protect them against elements that can be a possible hazard to durability and performance such as overheating, short circuits, and overcurrent protection.
Talking about protective features, we have to mention the built-in handle and latches that make suitcase transporting as easy as a breeze.
The latches enhance the longevity of the whole solar panel and thus make it possible to stand the test of time.
The Renogy 100 Watt instruction manual is clear about the installation process and specific troubleshooting steps that will help you diagnose unclear issues and fix them without much technical expertise.
The addition of bypass diodes enhances the performance and safety functions of the solar panel and makes it a good value for the money.
Pros
- Eclipse Solar Panel Kit
- Reliable Construction
- Easy To Mount
- Larger Surface Area
- Long Service Life Span
Cons
- Relatively Expensive
- Eclipse Solar Panel Kit
- Reliable Construction
- Easy To Mount
- Larger Surface Area
- Long Service Life Span
- Relatively Expensive
Verdict:
- 19 lbs. Weight
- Polycrystalline Solar Cells
- 5400 Pa Snow Resistance
If you don’t have enough budget to buy a Monocrystalline solar panel, you don’t have to be heartbroken as we are here to help you find the suitable solar panel right within your budget.
For all those users who don’t have enough fortune to get themselves a Monocrystalline panel but are not satisfied with anything less than the best then Polycrystalline panels can be of help to you.
Mighty Max battery-powered solar panels are one great listing for Polycrystalline solar panels.
Features:
Might Max products are known for their increased rigidity and weather protection which are the two foremost requirements for any outdoor product be it a solar panel or a solar batter.
Mighty Max is a brand well-known across the consumer market for its long-lasting and trustworthy batteries and the manufacturers have maintained the legacy of producing solar panels.
Having Mighty Max Solar Panel at hand you can assess the structural soundness of those products.
In our trial of these Might Max solar panels, the off-grid lifestyle worked adequately straight and offered the high-efficiency performance as claimed by the manufacturers.
These solar panels are very easy to install and you can do it by yourself by following the user’s manual.
Mighty Max offers a complete package with all the required accessories such as a tool kit for installation, cables, a connecter, and other accessories.
Furthermore, the cables are long enough to make connections without using an extension cord and are able to draw power in a clutter-free setting.
Pros
- Rugged Construction
- Generates Usable AC Electricity
- Comes With Necessary Accessories
- Optimum Versatility
- Good Quality Construction
Cons
- Compromised Energy Conversion Efficiency
- Rugged Construction
- Generates Usable AC Electricity
- Comes With Necessary Accessories
- Optimum Versatility
- Good Quality Construction
- Compromised Energy Conversion Efficiency
Verdict:
- 4 lbs. Weight
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- 5400 Pa Snow Resistance
There is another quality 100-watt solar panel by Renogy and is featuring all the features like a portable, lightweight body that is suitable for motor vehicles and a less expensive price tag just right for campervans.
Renogy 100 watts is a flexible solar panel kit that comes with mounts and has all the required accessories for instant setup.
Features:
This is the lightest solar panel in our selection of the best solar panel for campervans and has a bendable body that is one unique addition to the durable and sturdy built Renogy solar panels.
This flexible and bendable solar panel weighs only 4 pounds which is about 70% less than traditional solar panels on the market.
This solar panel has a very thin layer of lamination that is hardly noticeable by the naked eye and this lamination sheet is best for stealthy setups under the sun.
Renogy 100 watts is a complete package that doesn’t require you to have any additional purchases like cables, adapters, or tool kits.
Renogy 100 Watt Flexible Solar Panel comes with cables included in the purchasing package and thus provides more effective management by offering storage space for the accessories.
The user manual for Mighty Max solar panels is very detailed and comprehensive, instructions are easy to read and capable of answering your common queries regarding the product.
Pros
- Folding Design
- Works With Different Batteries
- Suitable For Marine Applications
- Easy Setup
- Price Tag Is Friendly
Cons
- Suitable For Curvy Surfaces Only
- Folding Design
- Works With Different Batteries
- Suitable For Marine Applications
- Easy Setup
- Price Tag Is Friendly
- Suitable For Curvy Surfaces Only
Verdict:
- 42.7 lbs. Weight
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- 2400 Pa Wind Resistance
If you have a heavy-duty RV equipped with multiple electrical appliances or a marine boat that requires massive power output then a 100 watts solar panel may not be the ideal option for you.
If you don’t have enough budget to upgrade your solar panel to a 200 watts unit, you should try this BougeRV 180 watts solar panel that is a mid-range unit equipped with advanced technologies and is a quite good unit for outdoor activities.
Features:
BougeRV is a lightweight solar panel that features a thin construction that does not detract from vehicle aesthetics and therefore, rightly compliments your motor homes or campervan.
This is a 180 watts solar panel that is made up of Monocrystalline solar cells and is a standalone solution for all your outdoor power needs.
This BougeRV solar panel franchise is famous for its customer care and support facilities. BougeRV provides you with a 25 years power warranty on this BougeRV 5BB solar panel standalone kit.
Furthermore, they offer 18 monthly product replacement warranty and give you lifetime technical services support with labor coverage.
One notable feature of this BougeRV 5BB solar panel is that it is made up of a class of Monocrystalline solar cells that are free from any visible micro-cracks or any defects at the manufacturer’s end.
There are B and C class Monocrystalline solar cells that are featuring high-efficiency energy conversion but come with obvious cracks that can reduce the charging efficiency by wasting the captured sun rays.
Pros
- Flexible Design
- Better Conformity To Different Surfaces
- Improved Safety
- Near-Seamless Integration
- Awesome Look
Cons
- Slightly Larger For Rooftops
- Flexible Design
- Better Conformity To Different Surfaces
- Improved Safety
- Near-Seamless Integration
- Awesome Look
- Slightly Larger For Rooftops
Verdict:
- 16.31 lbs. Weight
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- 2400 Pa Wind Resistance
If you are out there on the web looking for some classic design solar panels that are focused primarily on performance and efficiency and give secondary privilege to portable and lightweight bodies then you ought to check out this Newpowa 100 watts solar panel.
This Newpowa solar panel is a high-efficiency Monocrystalline unit that features a long service life and optimized cell performances.
Features:
Newpowa classic solar panels are a good investment initiative for conventional style panels that comes with a strong frame and break the hype of suitcase designs.
The suitcase solar panel folds to briefcase size and is thus preferred for outdoor journeys but to maintain a thin, lightweight outlook they have many compromising points that classic solar panels don’t have.
One such aspect of the classic Newpowa solar panels is the thin lamination sheet of briefcase-type solar panels.
The latter ones are coming with a very thin coating to just make do with the glaze or laminated surface but the classic solar panels like Newpowa 100 watts have multiple coatings of multi-layered laminations and this enhances the solar cells’ performance efficiency and making them very responsive.
It also helps them have a longer lifespan than most thin photovoltaic panels.
Newpowa solar panels are very easy to clean and their deep cycle battery is good enough to run the refrigerator and all other modern conveniences in your campervan.
This Newpowa 100 Watts solar panel has advanced mono-cell technology of which PERC is the latest to be added to the Newpowa baseline.
Pros
- Come With Very Specialized Cells
- Maintaining Is Easier
- Best In An Overcast
- Great Value For Money
- Accommodating Customer Service
Cons
- Slightly Heavier
- Come With Very Specialized Cells
- Maintaining Is Easier
- Best In An Overcast
- Great Value For Money
- Accommodating Customer Service
- Slightly Heavier
Verdict:
- 7.04 lbs. Weight
- Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
- 21.5% Energy Conversion Efficiency
If you are looking forward to mounting your solar panel on a curvy or bumpy surface the regular or classic, lightweight, portable solar panels may not be the best fit for your locality.
For curvy surfaces, bendable and flexible solar panels are the answer that adjusts the shape according to the situation of your mounting surface.
One such great flexible solar panel of 100 watts is by HQST which is a 9BB PET polished Mono solar panel with many amazing features and specs.
Features:
If you trust Mighty Max Battery and want to complement it with the best flexible off-grid solar panels then HQST 9BB solar panel will be the best for you.
These solar panels are made up of Monocrystalline solar cells that have PWM-type upgraded 9 Busbars, giving them the 9BB nomenclature.
These upgraded Busbars enhances solar cell efficiency and works wonder by capturing more solar radiations and retaining more heat in the multi-layered setup.
The overall structure and 9BB design enhance the performance and give 100 watts of clean, green, and stable power to electronic gadgets when off the grid.
The HQST 9BB 100 Watts solar panel also comes with a junction box that is the IP67-rated waterproof box added to give the waterproofing.
This junction box also guards against the wind and dust that making it suitable for outdoor sites. ,
Pros
- Durable Frame
- Better Weather Resistance
- Accompanying Diodes And Connectors
- Incredible Efficiency
- Straightforward To Set Up
Cons
- Very Thin Laminations
- Durable Frame
- Better Weather Resistance
- Accompanying Diodes And Connectors
- Incredible Efficiency
- Straightforward To Set Up
- Very Thin Laminations
Verdict:
- 16.5 lbs. Weight
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- 14 Pre-Drilled Holes
RICH SOLAR is yet not a very reputable brand but has reliable solar panels that produce enough power when off the grid to let you enjoy a comfortable lifestyle thanks to the Monocrystalline photovoltaic cell technology.
The RICH SOLAR 200 watts is a high-efficiency panel that enjoys the best rating in the market with its quite high solar energy absorption rates. Let’s dig into the details of this product to see if it is worth it or not.
Features:
The RICH SOLAR is a 200 watts solar panel that is the highest output power in our listing of the best solar panel for campervans.
This solar panel is the classic version of vertical 100 watts solar panels and the 2 X 100W panels give the 200 watts rating with a better price-to-performance ratio and better solar energy conversion than most 100 watts affordable solar panels.
This durable solar panel can be used to power your recreational vehicles and motor homes like your campervan.
It produces 10.8-ampere power that can be used with the voltage of either a 12V DC or a 24V DC input battery supply.
This solar panel is best built for use in low light conditions and is, therefore, best for cloudy days and rainy weather.
This RICH SOLAR 200 Watt solar panel is very simple to install and with its pre-drilled holes, built-in diodes, and mounting hardware, it can be very easily mounted on curved surfaces of marine boats, yachts, tents, sheds, cabins, camping vans, travel trailers, rooftops, RVs and other motor homes.
Pros
- Reduce The Power Fluctuations
- Work Surprisingly
- Excellent Weatherproofing
- Retain Its Integrity
- Sturdy Aluminum Frame
Cons
- Large And Heavy
- Reduce The Power Fluctuations
- Work Surprisingly
- Excellent Weatherproofing
- Retain Its Integrity
- Sturdy Aluminum Frame
- Large And Heavy
Verdict:
- 14.3 lbs. Weight
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- 23.5% Energy Conversion Efficiency
Last but not least is the globally acknowledged 200 watts solar panel by the industry-leading BLUETTI SP series, the SP200.
This is a single piece 200 watts solar panel that is made up of Ethylene Tetra-fluoro-ethylene and has the highest energy conversion efficiency of 23.5%.
This energy conversion rating is way higher than most classic and standard solar panels available in the market.
Features:
BLUETTI SP200 solar panel is a widely used unit that is compatible with most generators, inverters, solar batteries, power banks, and portable power stations.
This 200 watts solar panel is the most common for heavy-duty commercial applications where a large amount of power output is desired.
This durable solar panel has a splash-proof body that makes it suitable for wet and rainy weather.
This waterproofing thanks to its IP65 waterproof rating is resistant to slight water splashes but will not give you fully submersible waterproofing.
Therefore, it is ideal to not use this solar panel under direct and heavy rainfall.
This Monocrystalline solar panel has 95% transparency and the 23.5% energy conversion rating makes it a better-performing solar panel than its polycrystalline counterparts.
This BLUETTI SP200 solar panel is made up of ETFE material that is coated on the surface before layers of laminating material and therefore, makes it a scratch-resistant solar panel with a longer lifespan.
Pros
- Incredibly High Efficiency
- Increased Solar Absorption Capabilities
- MC-4 Connector Cables
- Effortless Performance
- Independent From Traditional Sources
Cons
- Only Splash-Proof (Not Water Submersible)
- Incredibly High Efficiency
- Increased Solar Absorption Capabilities
- MC-4 Connector Cables
- Effortless Performance
- Independent From Traditional Sources
- Only Splash-Proof (Not Water Submersible)
Verdict:
Best Solar Panel For Campervan: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
When picking the best, our tests revealed that energy conversion efficiency is of secondary importance to the solar cell types, glaze, and safety features.
We know that the solar panels’ energy conversion efficiency is of foremost importance as it will help in distinguishing between the Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar cells but our evaluation shows that, the average energy conversion rating of Monocrystalline solar cells with multi-layered glazing surface and Type A (A-Class) solar cells without micro-cracks are more reasonable specs for a better performing solar unit.
Buying Guide Of Best Solar Panel For Campervan – Infographics
On that note, paid extra attention to the type of solar cells, their class and without a doubt, the conversion efficiency was also considered when selecting the top products for our review.
If you would like to read more on solar cell types and their classes, we suggest, you should read our review of the best solar panel for campervans.
Having a complete understanding of the product description can GIVE peace of mind to possible customers and on the bright side, it can also help you choose the right product.
If you are looking for the best solar panel for a campervan, there are two things that need to be considered before heading for the purchase, the size, and dimensions of the solar panels and your space availability.
Other than that budget is undeniably one of the major concerns that are never undermined in any case.
Despite these requirements that you have preset in your mind, we believe that our buyer’s guide will of course help you find the right solar panel that is lighter on the pocket but gives a commercial-grade performance.
If you also want to have a thorough understanding of essential things to be looked upon before buying a solar panel, let us look, at the very least, at our buyer’s guide where these requirements with their cutoff are mentioned.
1. How To Determine Which Solar Panel Is Best For Campervan?
The market is flooded with many quality options for an efficient solar panel that is suitable for outdoor sites but choosing the best solar panel out of an overwhelming sea of options is rather a tiring and time taking task.
If you don’t have enough time to do background research on the product, stay together with us and read through our buyer’s guide to choosing the right product for your upcoming purchase.
We noted about that, the standard requirements of a campervan and then choose the appropriate features in a solar panel to complement the campervan.
We also learned that campervan roofs and side-mounted panels have different requirements and these points were considered in our comprehensive buyer’s guide.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Solar Panel For Campervan:
The most crucial things that affect the performance of a solar panel or the premium specs and features that add weight to the price tag are carefully reviewed and then summarized as a sum up in this buyer’s guide.
So without any further ado, let us move forward with our review guide and brief our readers about the necessary things to consider before buying the best solar panel for a campervan.
Are you ready, let’s get started!
I. Solar Cell Type:
The type of solar cells is the very first thing that should be given due attention and decided based on your preferences and the budget available at the hand.
The type of solar cells will determine the performance and efficiency of the whole solar panel and will also decide the charging speed of your unit.
The two most prominent types of solar cells available in the market are as given below:
- Monocrystalline Solar Cells
- Polycrystalline Solar Cells
Monocrystalline solar cells are the best anyone can ask for and these premium solar cells have the best energy conversion efficiency and best performance.
These cells are long-lasting, quick to recharge, and better at standing in harsh weather.
Furthermore, Monocrystalline solar cells are free from major technical defects and have higher solar radiation capturing ratings and this makes these cells faster charging and the most effective solar cells.
The Monocrystalline solar cells are categorized into three types that are symptomatic to the A, B, or C grades.
The A class like the A grade is the best performing one and doesn’t have any major defect that can be observed with the naked eye.
The A-class solar cells are free from minor cracks that increase the value of captured sun rays which can be converted into higher energy value and thus are better in performance than other types of solar cells.
Polycrystalline solar cells are the second major type of solar cells and are quite good at their job without minding the class of cells.
These cells have slightly lower energy conversion efficiency and a few minor cracks that can be overlooked particularly when the price gap between two solar units is quite enough for you to make a quick decision.
II. Construction Material:
The second most critical aspect of a solar panel is the material used in its making. Solar cells are quite fragile and therefore need to be complimented by durable and sturdy frames and other body parts to give them strength and durability. Solar panels are made typically using:
- Aluminum
- Glass
- Stainless steel
- Metals
Aluminum is the sturdiest of all and thus, aluminum solar panels are the most durable ones with the longest-lasting lifespans.
You may notice that solar panels have a varying degrees of warranty on parts and performance.
You may see a 20 or 25 years parts warranty with 15 years performance warranty at 90% output. But the solar cells may have 2 years warranty on cheap goods and 5 to 6 years on quality products.
This difference in warranty lifespan is due to the varying degree of the average life of these used materials in making solar panels.
Aluminum solar panels have the most durability and are thus better than glass and stainless steel options.
III. Charge Controller:
Charge controllers are more important for recreational vehicles and travel vans and are, therefore, a significant consideration when deciding on the purchase of solar panels for campervans.
The charge controller is available in different ampere ratings and you can choose a suitable range that is compatible with your campervan and RVs.
Most RVs require a 30A charge controller to have quick installation and connection while a camper van may get the job done with a 10A or a 20A charge controller depending upon the specific unit installed in your camper van.
IV. Energy Conversion Efficiency:
Energy conversion efficiency is without a doubt the most talked about aspect of solar panels and is highly important in determining the performance of any solar product.
The number of solar rays captured by solar cells is not wholly converted into electrical energy as most of these rays are wasted as heat energy or escape from the solar cells or are absorbed by the micro-cracks.
The higher efficiency means that the higher amount of solar rays will be converted into energy.
A solar panel with a 23% efficiency will convert 23 rays into energy and the rest will be escaped into the environment.
In simple words, go with a solar panel that has higher energy conversion ratings.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What Solar Panel For Campervan?
Solar panels for campervans are lightweight and portable solar panels that can be mounted on the roof of the campervan and taken anywhere with the camping van.
These off-grid energy-producing units are used to power the batteries that supply power to electrical appliances installed in the campervan.
2. Is It Worth Fitting A Solar Panel To A Campervan?
Yes, for sure, a campervan has many electrical appliances installed in it for a smooth off-road or rather an off-grid journey and a power backup source is mandatory to run those electrical appliances.
Those appliances can be powered by fuel-driven sources like a gasoline generator or an electric battery. But solar panels are the most worthy and budget-friendly option when on the road.
3. Which Solar Panel Is Best For Campervan?
Renogy solar panels are best for campervans. A campervan doesn’t have as much power demand as an RV or a travel trailer and a 100 watts or so solar panel will be more than enough for the campervan.
Therefore, Renogy 100 watts solar panels are the best bet for campers.
4. Are Solar Panels On Campervans Any Good?
Solar panels are the most effective power option for a campervan and help provide clean, green, and stable power without posing any serious utility costs.
Solar panels are the best value for money when it comes to off-the-grid journeys like a campervan or RV.
5. How Much Do Solar Panels Cost For Camper Van?
The exact cost depends upon the wattage and type of kit.
If you are just looking for a solar panel, a 100 to 150 USD price tag will definitely get you a quality product but if you are looking for a standalone solar kit then it may take anywhere between 200 to 500 USD to have a premium unit at hand.
Final Words:
We have also provided you with a detailed and comprehensive buyer’s guide where we have discussed all the necessary features and specs that ought to be looked upon before deciding on a solar panel for the campervan. In the end, we have tried to answer some common queries that are most frequently associated with solar panels for campervans.
Video Help:
If you want to know more watch the below video.
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